Football: Southampton edge seven-goal thriller at Watford

WATFORD, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manolo Gabbiadini became the first Southampton player to score in his first three Premier League matches for the club as his goal helped down Watford 4-3 on Saturday (March 4).

The Italian took his tally to six goals in four games in all competitions since joining Saints from Napoli in the January transfer window following a seven-goal thriller at Vicarage Road.

A week ago, his brace almost helped Saints produce a major upset against Manchester United in the League Cup final before Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave the Red Devils a late 3-2 victory.

Nathan Redmond added two for Saints and Dusan Tadic also scored while Troy Deeney, Stefano Okaka and Abdoulaye Doucoure netted for Watford as both sides remained in mid-table.

An already thrilling game exploded into life with four goals in the final 10 minutes - including Gabbiadini's historic strike.

Southampton appeared to be suffering from a League Cup hangover as they conceded after just four minutes.

Deeney played a one-two with Italian Okaka before volleying past goalkeeper Fraser Forster from close range.

It was Deeney's 105th goal for Watford, taking him up to joint fourth in the club's all-time scorers list.

Saints were dominating possession and duly equalised just before the half-hour mark as Tadic drilled home from 18 yards following a poor clearance from the home team.

Gabbiadini was twice thwarted by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes but Southampton still went into the break leading after Redmond started and finished a flowing move in time added on at the end of the first half.

With a quarter of an hour to go, Okaka wasted a great chance to equalise after being teed up by Tom Cleverley, who had robbed a dallying Oriol Romeu.

Okaka, though, made amends five minutes later, prodding home from six yards after Nigerian Isaac Success put the ball on a plate for him.

Yet just four minutes later Gabbiadini punished Watford after Okaka had missed the chance to give the hosts the lead. Gomes was at fault as he spilled a shot from Sofiane Boufal into Gabbiadini's path.

Two minute slater, Redmond sealed the win as he punished a tired defence with an individual goal.

Yet, there was still time for a final goal deep into injury time as Doucoure tapped home M'Baye Niang's cross from close range.

The Straits Times

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